The 5 Do’s And Don’ts To Becoming A Model

NW Fitness Magazine

The 5 Do’s And Don’ts To Becoming A Model

by Traci Perry

(Fitness Model with 20+ years experience in Commercial Print, Runway, Mannequin, Promotional, Lingerie, Fit Modeling, Commercials, Movies, and Theatre)

1. DO Find an agency that is right for YOU. If you are a bodybuilder, find a fitness agency that works within the fitness industry, as most other commercial agencies would find that type of body “too muscular.” If you are a woman and you’re not at least 5’9″- do not walk into a high fashion agency in San Francisco. You will be asked to leave. There are so many different types of agencies, just as there are different types of people and body sizes. Do your diligence, and take the time to find an agency that is the right fit for you. Otherwise, you’re wasting not just the agent’s time, but much more importantly- YOURS.

2. DON’T spend hundreds of dollars on professional photos…..At least, not yet. An agent can tell what he or she is working with, simply with a couple snapshots. However, the agent must be able to really see you. Make sure you can see your full physique. Front, back, side, and a nice close up. Women don’t hide behind a lot of makeup. Men, don’t hide behind clothes or props. An agent wants to see your potential. If you have headshots already done, GREAT. You will need it eventually, and you are one step ahead of the game. But they are not a necessity to sign with an agency.

3. DO have a suitable wardrobe. You don’t need to go on a spending spree with your mother’s Neiman Marcus credit card. But there are a few essentials that you will need when meeting an agent or going on auditions: A good pair of form fitting jeans, a great swimsuit or board shorts, a little black dress or nice pant suit for men, and your hottest “going out on the town” look. Don’t forget a great pair of shoes, and don’t be surprised if upon meeting an agent, he or she asks you to walk for them- so make sure the shoes fit.

4. DON’T EAT CAKE! (Or much of it.) If you are really serious about being a model, then you must understand that this is a business and your physique is your tool with which you make your income. Splurging once in a while is fine, as long as you do your work to keep in consistently great shape. No model wants to get a call for an audition on Monday after consuming 9,000 calories the weekend before. Doing so could lead to purging and very unhealthy ways of ridding oneself of extra water and pounds. Do your mind and your body a favor, and keep your food and exercise in check consistently.

5. DO your homework. Promote yourself. Attend casting calls when looking for an agent. Create accounts on modeling sites to meet photographers and makeup artists. Audition. Audition. Audition. Be flexible. Follow up. If you live in the country, consider moving to an area where go sees do not require a two hour drive each way. Use what is different about you to your advantage, and promote it! The more you get your photos and name out there, the greater the chance you will be noticed.

Don’t know what a go see is? Want to know the difference between fit and fitness modeling? Or a commercial agent and a high fashion agent? Check back for future articles as I introduce you to the real world of modeling….